Whether you know every word to “La Marseillaise” or simply can’t resist a flaky croissant or colorful macaron, Bastille Day is the perfect excuse to embrace a little French culture. Bastille Day is France’s national holiday, celebrated each July 14 to commemorate the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the beginning of the French Revolution. Around the world, it’s also become the perfect excuse to toast French culture with great food, wine, and pastries.
Houston may not be a huge center of Gallic immigration, but the city does have some worthy French restaurants—many of them operated by French Americans.
Here are de tres bons restaurants for commemorating the historic importance of Bastille Day, or simply for indulging your inner Francophile. Be forewarned, there’s a lot of butter, cheese, and wine involved. Speaking of wine, make sure to pay tribute to the day with a toast that includes France’s national motto: “Liberte, Egalite, and Fraternite!”
Petite Lucie
Celebrated pastry chef, Omar Pereney, will host a grand opening celebration for his French-inspired cafe, Petite Lucie, on Tuesday, July 14, in conjunction with Bastille Day. Located in Downtown’s Market Square, the surrounding historic buildings and park atmosphere give the area a European feel, perfect for enjoying a charcuterie box, or one of Pereney’s famous croissants, al fresco. The official grand opening will be a festive one, with live entertainment, exclusive specials, and a celebration of French culture with unique Bastille Day activations. 301 Milam St., Houston, petite-lucie.com
Sweet Paris
With multiple locations across the Greater Houston area, this creperie and bakery serves tasty crepes, waffles, and paninis to both inner loopers and suburbanites alike. There are sweet and savory options galore, plus coffee drinks and wine. To honor Bastille Day, guests can take advantage of the buy one, get one free Nutella crepe special, offered Tuesday, July 14. Grab an ami, or a cheri, and head to one of Sweet Paris’ charming locations for a leisurely respite from work and responsibilities. There’s nothing more French than that. Multiple locations, sweetparis.com
Savoir
Chef-owner Jose Hernandez took over this Heights-area French restaurant last year. This year, he is serving a special prix-fixe menu on Bastille Day, along with the restaurant’s regular offerings. The five-course feast starts with a black truffle vegetable soup encased in baked pastry, followed by a chilled foie gras torchon, then diver scallops in a brown butter sauce. A show-stopping squab Royale is the main course, with a sweet finale of house-made macarons and sorbet. Reservations are recommended for the special $82 per person dinner, with an optional wine pairing for $35. 1344 Yale St., Houston, savoirhouston.com
Etoile
With a name that means “star” in French, this restaurant from chef Philippe Verpiand delivers classic French fare in an elegant Uptown Park setting. Born in Provence, Verpiand draws on both well-known French techniques and the southern flavors of France. His Fete de la Bastille four-course menu, offered on Tuesday, July 14, is a delicious journey through French and American flavors, starting with Maine lobster medallions and gazpacho, plus a ham tart with a Texas kick of serrano pepper. The fish course is seared sea bass with corn-mushroom risotto, followed by a meat course of French veal medallions in morel mushroom sauce. The grand finale is a warm almond and black cherry cake topped with pistachio ice cream. It’s a feast fit for a king, but available to revolutionaries for $78 per person. Add a wine pairing for $40 and drink to freedom from tyranny! 1101-11 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, etoilecuisine.com
Brasserie 19
This bustling hotspot in the River Oaks Shopping Center is beginning its Bastille Day festivities early by popping corks during a Red, White, and Blue event on Saturday, July 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a partnership with Moet Hennessy, so guests can expect a sophisticated afternoon of champagne, wine, cocktails, and food specials. Plus, music from DJ GFunk and swag giveaways. 1962 W. Gray St., Houston, brasserie19.com
Brennan’s of Houston
Houstonians are well aware of the delicious Cajun and Creole dishes at this New Orleans-inspired fine dining restaurant, but on Tuesday, July 14, Brennan’s will celebrate the French heritage of NOLA with a Bastille Day party offering a trio of different experiences. Enjoy one, or hang around for a full day of pleasure. The day begins with a French happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m., featuring $10 bites like French onion soup and escargot, and $5 French 75 cocktails. Stick around for the French wine tasting from 6 to 7 p.m., a $38 offering of three Loire Valley wines, paired with bites like coquille St. Jacques, croque monsieurs, and steak frites. For those wanting a full-on French dining experience, there’s a three-course dinner option from 5 to 8 p.m., with a choice of beef Bourguignon or Creole bouillabaisse for the entree. 3300 Smith St., Houston, brennanshouston.com
Alliance Francaise Houston
This French language school is celebrating the French Revolution, as well as the 250th anniversary of American independence, with a family-friendly Bastille day celebration. Expect plenty of French food and desserts, plus wine and cocktail bars for toasting the 250 years of friendship between France and the United States. The party will feature live music, dancing, photo ops, and activities for children. Admission is free, but RSVP is required. 427 Lovett Blvd., Houston, alliancehouston.org
Chardon
Chardon is hosting a Bastille Day bash on Sunday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a champagne and sparkling wine bar, cocktail station, and French wine garden. Guests can mingle, Kir Royal in hand, while listening to smooth jazz and French lounge music. There will be culinary stations with mini croque monsieurs, gougeres, charcuterie, and, of course, beaucoup des fromages. No one does desserts quite like the French, and Chardon’s sweet spread will feature colorful macarons, French pastries, and silky crème brûlée. Tickets are available through eventbrite. 1711 Allen Pkwy., Houston, chardonhouston.com
